Eastsound Celebrates Hallowe’en and the Great Pumpkin!

 –by Cara Russell —

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Nearly everyone loves free candy, but let’s face it, Halloween is celebrated by so many because it is the only holiday where for one day and one night, you can be whoever you want. The sidewalks of Eastsound Village were a captivating sight at 3:30 p.m., on Friday October 31st as kids and parents, dressed in their favorite alter ego, hit every business in town and trick-or-treated for candy.

The many forms of Maleficent (the self-proclaimed Mistress of All Evil, from Sleeping Beauty) was the costume of choice for so many girls—who took the part completely to heart, with a subtle disregarding wave of the hand, sinister glare, or threats from a magical staff. Star Wars Princess Leia and Frozen’s Princess Elsa helped keep the streets safe. Speaking of keeping the streets safe, there were many super hero’s about, and one mini cop was quite the pro—directing traffic as his family passed through every intersection.

The Co-op offered tasty marshmallows donated from Kathryn Taylor Chocolates, along with a  handout on ‘Community Solar for Our Schools’. The Emmanuel Episcopal Parish was a hit again this year, as children ran the labyrinth to reach The Great Pumpkin in the center, to whisper a secret into his head and receive a treat.

Everyone was welcome to stop by the meeting room at the Orcas Library in their costumes. Tables of illustrated children’s books provided a real treat for the imagination. Children’s Librarian, Nita Couchman, was in costume herself and happily greeted the children and took many great pictures.

As the evening progressed, many attended the annual Harvest Festival at the Orcas Island Community Church, enjoying free activities and games. The Odd Fellows Hall threw a great Halloween party for the kids, with tasty treats, hot spiced apple cider, and music to dance to.

As the streets became dark, kid-free adults made their way into town. The most popular costume theme this year among the grown-ups, was the beautiful and intricate Sugar Skull face painting from the old ritual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

The annual Halloween dance at the Odd Fellows featured the Bellingham band, Snug Harbor. Later in the night prizes were awarded for the favorite costumes this year. All funds raised go to the Odd Fellows Scholarship and Community Giving Fund.

At the Lower Tavern, DJ  Mark Gajadhar kept the full house lively and dancing. The time flew by, and before we knew it, it was well past the witching hour and Halloween night.

There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch. ~Robert Brault